CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Shoppers are celebrating the arrival of the new Target store in Portland.
The official ribbon cutting was held Tuesday afternoon as the store welcomed it's first customers.
Shoppers didn't waste anytime getting inside and browsing the isles; 3NEWS even spotted Portland Mayor Cathy Skurow walking out with shopping bags in hand!
The store's opening is a big deal for Portland residents and surrounding communities.
While the retailer has barely opened its doors, it's already serving as a launching pad to encourage other major retailers and restaurants who've set eyes on the city.
The 128,000-square foot Target store is a culmination of hard work and planning by city leaders and the stores 100 plus employees.
"Our team has done a phenomenal job just making sure everything is ready for our Portland community, they're super excited for what's about to unfold," Target Store Director Larissa Evans said.
3NEWS got a sneak peak inside before its official grand opening -- planned for Sunday -- and shelves were neatly stacked with merchandise.
As soon as customers walk in they are greeted with a Starbucks.
"It's pretty big, we are excited to see the whole store," customer Sonya Gonzalez said.
The store also includes amenities such as a CVS Pharmacy, Target Optical and it will also feature a partnership with Ulta Beauty.
The new Target store is part of a building boom for the city of Portland.
Part of the $100 million, 45-acre development located along Highway 181.
The location is much larger than the one in Corpus Christi and will serve as an anchor to several other businesses like Raising Cane's that opened its doors back in June.
Other name brand businesses will soon join them include: Chipotle, James Avery, Aspen Dental, Five Guys and Wells Fargo, to name a few.
Developers, McLeod-Cobb Investments explained how a major retailer like Target can have a ripple effect and set a bulls eye on a community
"All the development that will happen because of their [Target's] presence," said Meredith McLeod-Cobb.
When it comes to luring other big-named retailers. They're already seeing a strong demand.
"It's the one all the restaurants and retailers look at and go, 'we have to be there,' " she said. "It's the time you know a market has matured. It's a big stepping point for Portland and surrounding communities."
The Portland location is the only Target to open in Texas this year.
It's open seven days a week and store hours will be 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
The development has officially been named 'Oliver's Way' after the developer's late son Oliver who passed of a stillbirth in 2021.
They are using the moment to promote an app called 'Count the Kicks' to help moms to be monitor their baby's movements.